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The native inhabitants of most of the Caribbean and St. Martin were the Arhawak Indians. They were later driven off by the warlike Caribs. It is generally accepted that Columbus on his second voyage in 1493 discovered and named the island. The Indians were driven out in the 1600's and from then until 1816 the island changed hands numerous times, primarily under French or Dutch control. For the last 175 plus years and several treaties the island has enjoyed a peaceful existence. Tourism became important in the 1970's and today it is the dominate industry of the island.Manners, Customs and Dress
It is important to remember the local population (both Caribbean and European) are in general conservative, reserved and polite. It is considered very rude to begin any conversation without a greeting. A simple "good morning or good afternoon" will serve nicely as an ice breaker. It is difficult for most Caribbean people to believe you would just walk up to a stranger and begin talking. The daily pace is relaxed and almost no one you will encounter speaks English the way you do. The accents come from all over the world. Listen closely and in a short time you will begin to understand the local accents.
Currency
The French side has the French franc as the official currency. On the Dutch side it is the Netherlands Antilles florin (guilder). No need however, to change money because the US dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. In some restaurants, food stores and shops the prices may be quoted in the local currency whichever side of the island you are on. To convert guilders, divide the amount in half and add 10%. To convert francs, ask what the current exchange rate is and divide that rate into your total bill to determine the dollar amount.
If you would like to experience using a foreign currency exchange for francs, they are used and accepted everywhere on the French side. But remember, they are rarely accepted on the Dutch side so don't over do it. The best franc to dollar exchange rates are at the exchange booths you will notice in and around Marigot.
Language
French and Dutch are the respective official languages on St. Martin/St. Maarten. But English is spoken everywhere and is the unofficial language of the island as a whole.
The island is very much a melting pot with well more than half of the population coming from other islands or other parts of the world. I have never been anywhere in the world with so many different nationalities living and working together. You will be amazed at the number of different accents you will hear.
Spanish and Creole, an unwritten language except in Haiti and spoken by people from various French or former French colonies, are also widely spoken.
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